Soul Searching and Finding Rest

The end of the first half of 2015 is fast approaching— so far it has been a whirl-wind; it is time for some soul-searching. In this mundane chronos, am I practicing what the Lord spoke into this weary saint as 2014 faded away? A look into the Brazen Laver  is sobering.

 The annual change of the calendar takes me by surprise each year; I greet each one with frustration. When the sparkling cider is gone, and the noise makers trodden under foot, nothing seems new; nothing feels new. 2015 began with my resistance to its arrival. I refused to write a list of resolutions, or fill out another prayer card; for it would only get lost in the pages of the One True Word. I desired this New Year to be different—I wanted a word. A word that would guide me through the year. A word I could cling to in tough times. After seeking God and praying for His direction, I christened 2015 with the word I felt Him whisper into my weary soul—Rest. sabbatismos; a lifestyle of Sabbath rest and Sabbath observance. The Greek sabbatismos is an idea far beyond church on Sunday. It is an attitude, a heart condition. This is not a legalistic ritual, but prayerfully seeking a new perspective on the chronos. The Omnipotent One, continues to urge me to rest. A lesson I have not yet fully retained.

The rest that was to govern my year alludes me. While my faith and trust in God does not waver; I still struggle with resting. “A Sabbath heart is restful even in the midst of unrest and upheaval,” Mark Buchanan writes; storms definitely describe the year and it is anything but restful. I have had enough upheaval to last a life time. It has brought sickness, heartache, sadness, and betrayals that test the most determined soul.  It is so easy to get caught up in the whirl-wind of chronos and it drains the passion from us. Kairos—God’s divine intervention, is as fleeting as spring after a hard winter.  

Chronos betrays us, always. It devours the beauty it creates. But sometimes chronos betrays itself: it stirs in us a longing for Something Else—Something that the beauty of things in time evokes but cannot satisfy… we end up as the man in Ecclesiastes did: driven, driven, driven, racing hard against chronos, desperate to seize beauty but always gasping smoke, ashes, and thorns. Seeking purpose and finding none, only emptiness (Mark Buchanan, The Rest of God, p. 37).

I am a passionate reader—a half a dozen books a month is my usual habit. Yet, piles of books await for me to get lost in their pages. Piles that once stirred me to read, now seem daunting, and overwhelming. Studying alludes me as well, as I have taken the summer to rest from seminary. This is new territory for me. Days and weeks of wrestling and torture just to pen this journal entry proves exhausting. Reading and writing is so much a part of who I am, that I feel lost. I feel as though I am wandering around—searching for my place in the world. If I don’t read and write, what do I do?  I rest.  

Sabbath is both a day and an attitude to nurture such stillness. It is both time on a calendar and a disposition of the heart. It is a day we enter, but just as much a way we see. Sabbath imparts the rest of God—actual physical, mental, spiritual rest, but also the rest of God–the things of God’s nature and presence we miss in our busyness… A Sabbath heart is restful even in the midst of unrest and upheaval (pp.3-4). 

One thing I have learned in spending time in His presence, is that worship is the key to rest. When I cease worrying about the cares of this world (Matt. 6:25-34), and I lay at His feet; peace overwhelms me.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:7 NASB

There are many things that vie for my attention; so many cares and distractions. But I must choose, as Mary so wisely did, to sit at His feet and worship. The Martha in me is easily lured into the drama of the day. If I never read another book, if I never pen another page, I will have peace when I rest in Him. Sabbatismos.

The New Year is frustrating, because the strike at midnight changes the chronos, and not the kairos. I want something new…I want kairos. I want to witness the divine intervention of God in my moment and see the change that I have longed for. I must be reminded in the mundane to seek out and choose joy. I must remember the greatest kairos in all eternity—He has already made all things new.

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. Rev. 21:5 ESV

He is trustworthy and true. He made all things new long before midnight of 2015. He made me new, and instead of seeking for my circumstances to change, I continue to change. When I rest in Christ, then He abides in me and Christ in me is the hope of glory. And the mundane doesn’t seem so dull after all. I witness the Divine every day through His mercy, grace, and love. 

Remembering My Father....

My dad passed in October of 2013. I wrote about it here. I thought a deserving memorial to be the Eulogy I spoke at his funeral. Though my earthly father is with Christ now, I am grateful that my heavenly Father walks with me everyday.

My Father

On January 14, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri, Marvin Paul Burnett arrived accompanied by his twin brother Marion. Unfortunately, Marion died when only three years old.
 
Marvin spent the first six years of his life fending off illness, a strep infection forced his parents to move to Denver in 1936, so that Marvin could undergo a bilateral-mastoidectomy to remove the infected bone from behind the ear. He also was one of the first in the US to receive antibiotics, which had to be flown in from Germany. For years to follow he did not experience significant health problems, but medicine would be a part of him for the rest of his life.
 
Upon graduating from Denver South high school in 1948, he attended Colorado A&M, which is now CSU. However, college was put on hold as he was called into active duty to serve in the Korean War. He jokingly remarked to a buddy, that thanks to the war, he didn’t have to study for his upcoming Zoology exam. He completed infantry training in California and In April of 1951 was assigned to the First Marine Division as a rifleman. He was released from active duty as a corporal—earning a Purple Heart Medal for shrapnel in his shoulder, which he also carried for the rest of his life. 

He re-entered college in 1952 and received his Bachelor of Science in Zoology in the June of 1954. He considered becoming a Veterinarian, but his college counselor would not have it, and refused to sign a recommendation for him unless it was to enter medical school. He devoted the next two years to graduate research studies and finally entered medical school in the fall of 1956. He continued as a graduate assistant in teaching Zoology Laboratory and Ornithology. He enjoyed research, however, it became clear that clinical medicine was his calling. Though, his interest in Zoology and Ornithology continued, as numerous cats, dogs, reptiles, and the like were a constant in the Burnett household, along with the Field Guide to North American Birds and a pair of binoculars.
 
In 1960 he graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. After graduation he served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1960-1961 in the state of Washington, to complete a one year medical residency. From 1961-1964 he completed a residency at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver and completed a second residency with Denver Presbyterian in Pathology from 1964-1965. This was not enough for my dad as he completed yet another residency at the University of New Mexico from 1965-1966 in Hematology.

Just a few years later my father and two partners, Dr. Robert Berris and Dr. Paul Hamilton founded Hematology Oncology Associates in Denver, down on 18th and Franklin. This is the original entity that over the years has grown and evolved into what is now Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. Though retiring in 1998, medicine continued to surround his life.

Apart from practicing medicine, my dad also enjoyed the outdoors. It is no secret my dad loved to golf, but even more he loved to fish. In fact, his Physical Therapist Adam, endured 10 years of bibliographies of fly-fishing must-reads. His hobby of tying his own flies reflected his love for the stream, and you would be hard pressed to find something in the Burnett house-hold that did not have either the Orvis, Trout Unlimited, or Catch and Release logo proudly displayed. He loved taking the family fishing. The first morning light of loading the station wagon with tents, pillows, blankets, fishing tackle, coolers, kids, and the like, proved inspiring. The white and black checkered luggage carrier on top of the brown and white wood-grain ‘76 Country Squire station wagon, was indeed a sight to be seen. By the time he unloaded the fishing tackle from underneath the non-essential fishing equipment, he could expect a good hour or two of prime fishing. 

He also loved to hunt. I can remember many trips to the far-east; well, the far east of Colorado or Kansas to walk the corn fields. I did get to accompany him, as the assistant to his retriever. I loved those memories, good times! 

My father earned a mention in his former Drill Sergeant’s memoir of the Korean War, The Run Up to The Punch Bowl. The Punch Bowl was an ancient volcanic crater off the coast of Japan, and it gave the North Koreans a great advantage in the war. My dad had to face a Punch Bowl of his own, which included many life-threatening illnesses, that resembled a volcanic crater that at times seemed to have the advantage. But my dad lived a life of miracles. 

His first miracle as a child, receiving antibiotics for a strep infection was the first not the last. His second life miracle was surviving the rearing of three daughters. He earns double credit for me, he should receive a special honor for surviving my teenage and young adult years, until Christ grabbed hold of my heart and life and gave my dad a bit of a reprieve. But as I heard a wise pastor’s wife once say about child-rearing, “Who could be a better parent than the heavenly Father, and under perfect circumstances, His children fell.” So I hope that comforts my dad. He was a good father, one that loved his family, and his faith. His faith dictated his practice of medicine, and his compassion for the sick and dying still strikes me today. 

Just as the first six or seven years of my dad’s life began warding off sickness, the last six or seven years of his life was spent the same way. Though many illnesses threatened my dad, he kept them at bay, until Sunday October 13, 2013. It was simply his time. I can see the finger prints of Jesus all over his life. And it is the grace of God that allowed my dad to be with us as long as he was, in the face of illnesses that sought his life. 

You see Psalm 91 on your programs today, it is fitting. Barb Roberts read it over my dad just a few days before he passed, and we all knew that Psalm would be a part of my dad’s service today. Because although, it looks like from our perspective that pestilence did come near my dad, and in fact ended his life, death does not win, it does not have the last word. The Cross of Christ overcame the power that death had; 1 Corinthians 15:55 taunts death, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” I don’t think it a strange coincidence that this verse has three “fives” in it, as five is the number of grace. Christ forever destroyed the power of death, and though we may be separated from our bodies which are decaying, we can never be separated from spending an eternity with Jesus our Lord. 

It will forever be a precious memory that I witnessed my dad’s last breathe on earth, as he enter into the presence of the Lord, with such peace. My dad is now with the Lord and no longer does cancer, triple “A” ruptures, strokes, or infection plague his body. He can speak again, he can walk perfect again——no plague comes near his dwelling, for now he is truly sheltered in the wings of the Most High. 

Our hope is in God. I heard another pastor’s wife say of hope, after her son committed suicide, “Having hope is not a magic spell we use to get our way - it simply realigns our hearts towards God in such a way that allows faith to grow and opens the doors to miracles. God is all that remains constant - our hope is IN HIM. Our hope is in a Person, not a particular outcome.” (Kay Warren). Yes, I prayed and hoped for him to be healed. God answered my prayer, just not on this side of eternity. Isn’t that our hope as believers? That is my hope. I know that I will see my dad again one day. And that is what takes the sting of death from us, that Christ-followers have it all - hope for today AND hope for tomorrow.

Circa. 1969
I am sitting next to my dad...

I loved my dad. I always looked up to him and respected the accomplishments in his life. How he took care of and provided for his family. A beautiful reflection of the heavenly Father; who provides and cares for the needs of His family. We will always love you dad, your life truly glorified God.

Sabbath Sanctuary: Holy Saturday

Yesterday we remembered Christ and His crucifixion; His holy sacrifice for our filthiness and sin. Every sin I have committed, every idle word I have spoken was nailed to the cross yesterday.  

As Good Friday passes we look forward to Easter Sunday and celebrate the greatest event of all time—the Resurrection. Christ came out of the grave and defeated death, hell, and the grave. He tasted death for us and overcame it. He holds the keys to hell, it is a celebration indeed!

Somehow, Saturday seems to get lost in the holiday preparations. We return to the mundane— life as usual, preparing food, doing the laundry, preparing meals, preparing for worship on Sunday. But what about Saturday, the Sabbath day, the morning and evening—before Sunday. Scripture too, seems to quickly pass over Saturday. There seems to be a void after the horrific crucifixion scene the previous day, and the celebration of an empty grave on Sunday. Matthew grants a glimpse into some of the events on Saturday; the Pharisees before Pilate ensuring the grave is guarded, there will be no grave robbing this night!

Holy Saturday seems to be a time of waiting; a place where nothing significant occurs. “The crucifixion, deliberately timed to precede the Sabbath day (which in John’s chronology was the Passover itself), was naturally followed by a pause when nothing would happen, and certainly no visit to the tomb by Mary and the others to anoint the body” (Alan Lewis, p.3).  Saturday is just an ordinary day, with Jesus body seemingly lying in the cold hard tomb, leaving all creation to groan for Him.

Though Jesus’ body may be entombed and laying on that cold, hard, rock slab—there is much happening behind the scenes, taking place in the unseen heavens before His pierced, precious body is resurrected.

Jesus was not lying idle on Saturday, He was busy freeing the captives who died before His glorious appearing, when all of heaven kissed the earth. He was battling the devil and his minions. The prophet Hosea foretold the descent of Christ into Hell in Hosea 13:14: O death, I will be thy death; O hell, I will be thy bite. And so too, the prophet Zechariah 9:11: Thou also by the blood of Thy Testament hast sent forth Thy prisoners out of the pit.”  Peter penned in 1 Peter 3:19 In which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient.  Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:9 what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? Jesus defeated death, hell and the devil and mocked them openly; When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. Colossians 2:15.  

Sabbath Saturday seemed quiet; the dust settling from the events and commotion of the traumatic events of Good Friday, and a quiet hush seemed to hold the city captive. It looked like everything was dead. Everything the Disciples hoped for is gone—their dreams died and were buried with Jesus. They could not see all that Jesus was doing, He was overcoming hell so that He could ascend to take His place at the right hand of the Father. There were many things Christ had to do before He could present Himself, the perfect sacrifice, and sprinkle His blood on the Heavenly Mercy Seat.

So rest this Sabbath, and know that though everything seems dead, and your heart is broken from disappointment, broken dreams, and betrayal, that Christ is working behind the scenes to resurrect NEW LIFE. Sabbath Saturday is a time to rest, to regain your strength for the New Life Jesus is preparing for you right now! Rest this Sabbath Saturday—tomorrow is Resurrection and New Life!

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Joshua 3:5

Alan E. Lewis, Between Cross & Resurrection: A Theology Of Holy Saturday (Grand Rapids: Eerdmens Publishing Company, 2001), 3.  

The Holy Place Part II: The Lampstand

Exodus 25: 31-40; 27: 20; 37: 17-24; 39:37; Revelation 1: 12-16, 20

To bring back his soul from the pit, to be Enlightened with the light of the living.  

Job 33:30

            

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out

of his roots: Is. 11:1

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill  cannot be hidden; nor does  anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Jn. 1:4

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness,  but will have the Light of life. Jn. 8:12  

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.  Jn. 9:5

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light  in the Lord: walk as children

of light:  Eph. 5:8 

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that  God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5  

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  John 3:19

The Light of Your Presence 

I walk into the Holy Place and what do my eyes see
A Golden Lampstand a light by which all the darkness must flee
The Lamp stand is so beautiful I long to come and touch it
The almond pots of gold, the lily flowers, they were so lovingly writ

You are the Vine we are the branches it is told us in Your Word
Your Light is now in us to go and tell those that have not heard
We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth we must go and do
To lead the lost and the hurting to come into Your Light too

I will bring my oil and trim the wicks each and every day
To cut off that which hinders me and trips me up along the way
I want my path illuminated so that I may see
All that I must do and all I am to be

Oh Holy Spirit light my path and reveal Yourself to me
So I know which way to go and so that I may see
I prepare my lamp to be ready, for I know that He will call
I know the Bride Groom is coming with a Feast for one and all
By Piper Green
© 2003-2015 All Rights Reserved.


The Holy Place, the name alone is enough to send chills up and down her spine. Sarah has heard many accounts concerning the majestic Sanctuary. She takes in yet another deep breath in expectancy of what her eyes will behold. He lifts the curtained entrance to the Holy Place; also knit of white linen with blue, purple and scarlet. The curtain is like an artist’s canvas; intricately woven-awesome and beautiful. Sarah can’t believe her eyes; this place is more magnificent than any palace she had ever seen in Egypt. The columned halls and grandiose ornaments could not compare to what she is witnessing in this place. Words escaped her and she finds herself besieged by the presence of God. Her legs weaken as she endeavors to stand.

The only light in the Sanctuary is the Lampstand; it is positioned opposite the Table of Shewbread. Sarah’s eyes reflect the flickering flames as their shadows dance on the pure gold walls. The Lampstand illuminates the entire room, no other light can compare. Amazed at the grandeur, she basks in the presence of the Lampstand; she can feel the power of it illuminating her spirit. The joyful ones had gone before her, though some remained-still eating at the table.

Sarah’s attention is now turned to see the joyful ones as they come and tend the Lampstand. They pour the freshly pressed oil skillfully into the buds and charily trimmed the wicks; careful to trim just enough as to not snuff the flame. Just as he predicted, some stood at the opening; observing but would not come. The aroma in the Sanctuary is brimming with the fragrance of freshly baked Bread and frankincense. Intermittently a certain aroma she recognizes, but cannot recall, arouses her senses; she is not certain from where the scent is coming as it subtly conspires with the present aroma of the frankincense-seasoned Bread.

She cannot pull her gaze from the Lampstand; it is simply breathtaking. Her mind takes her back to Bezaleel and Aholiab; she recalls Moses following God’s instruction to anoint them with His Spirit to craft the pure gold instrument. It is crafted with a shaft in the middle and three branches on each side. Truly spectacular indeed is the design of the shafts and branches. What began as one piece of gold was molded and fashioned by these anointed men, just as clay is a lump in the hand of a potter. Each branch is formed with three knobs shaped as a pomegranate, with the exception of the main shaft which contains four. He instructs her concerning the symbols of the Lampstand. “The pomegranate symbolizes peace. Each branch has a bowl of gold shaped like an almond.” Sarah remembers the seam of the high priest’s garment, the pomegranate embroidered within. Each branch contains a bowl, a knob, and a flower. The almond- Oh yes, the budding rod of Aaron the High Priest. Sarah recalls that day like it was yesterday-God brought forth the flowering almond on Aaron’s rod. What a miracle! From that day forward no one dared again to question his position or authority.

This is the first time Sarah has seen the Lampstand since the day the Tabernacle was consecrated before the Lord, as the people of Israel watched with amazement at the power of Qedosh Yisrael; the Holy One of Israel. Sarah knows it is the duty of the priest to fill the oil lamps and trim the wicks every morning and evening. Pondering this in her mind quickens her to ask, “Where are the priests? They are to be tending the work here.” A smile appears upon his loving, gentle face as he replies, “Everyone who sees the Messiah and accepts their portion in Him is a priest. As you look upon the Lampstand, remember the main shaft represents the Messiah; the branches symbolize those that believe. Once you believe in Him you must let your light shine every day. Fill your lamp with oil, trim the wicks; you must care for your lamp as your very own. By your light you will lead others to the Messiah. If you let your light grow dim or go out, you can’t know the fullness of the Messiah or lead others to Him.”

Suddenly in her hands appears a vessel of oil. She looks to him for direction; he motions her to go to the Lampstand. She observes some of the joyful ones as they fill their pots with oil. However, there remain some that did not fill their pots full and carelessly neglected the wicks. She feels sad for them knowing their lamp will not burn long. Sarah does not want to neglect her lamp; she is honored by the task. She pours her oil to the top and carefully trims her wick; her light brightly shines. From that moment she purposed in her heart to come every day to refill her pot. He motions her on to the Altar of Incense. “Every time you trim your wick and care for you lamp you must also burn incense on the altar. The incense is prayer, true worship to God”. She approaches the altar and she is overwhelmed by the scent; she now remembers the fragrant aroma she could not recall earlier. The fragrances conjured up many memories of the Israelite’s trials in the desert. She can recall the day; a sad day in the history of Israel. Once again the people were grumbling against God and He sent among them a plague. Dead bodies lay everywhere-God purposed to annihilate His people. Because of the rebellion of Korah and his followers over fourteen thousand people died. More certainly would have died if Moses had not instructed Aaron to take fire from the altar along with incense and run through the midst of the people with the censor that stayed the plague. She recalls the same aroma from the censor of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. The fragrance is the most beautiful scent imaginable.

Many others came in to tend their lamps as well; she is amazed at how many came. Some of the few that before stood at the door and would not come, changed their minds and also came; Sarah was happy they decided to come, yet saddened that some would not. She did not understand how they could not after witnessing the blessings and miracles at each station. They remain deceived and lost. If only they would come to be illuminated by the Lampstand, they could see the truth, and the gifts God has for them. He has such a purpose for them, if only they would come.

Psalms To See Me Through: Psalm 17 Prayer for Protection Against Oppressors

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry; Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Let my judgment come forth from Your presence; Let Your eyes look with equity. You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. vv. 1-3

You will have trials in this world; these encouraging Words of Jesus flood my thoughts when I read his prayer; I feel the desperation in David’s voice. I have felt this desperation recently; circumstances tend to leave us parched and feeling alone. God uses our parched, desperate, crying to draw us deeper in Him.  

God will visit us in the night and try our hearts; are we listening?

I was asleep but my heart was awake. A voice! My beloved was knocking: Open to me... Song of Songs 5:2 

The only way to contend our innocence, is if we are truly repentant for what He found there; He will find something. Once we confess it, allow the Blood to wash us, we are redeemed. Only then are we guiltless; Christ’s sacrifice makes it possible.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1:9

People are fallen. How easy it is to fall from grace; none of us are immune. Because we live in a fallen world, we will have trials; people will betray us, let us down, and disappoint us—and we them. In the Tabernacle of Moses, the priest was required to wash—a picture of the washing of water with the Word (see Eph. 5:26). The priest looked into the Bronze Laver—the polished mirror of bronze, and washed. He saw only his reflection, not another’s. The bronze mirror was to judge one self and wash before performing any service before the Lord.  

As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.
My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped. I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. vv. 4-6.

Stay on your path, no matter what others do or say. God will guide you and you will not slip—but wholeheartedly keep to the path God set you on.

Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.  Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who despoil me, My deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed their unfeeling heart, with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground. He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places. vv. 7-12

Often, we expect God to deliver us from the situation instead of seeking wisdom in the situation. God may be using the hard place to teach things to us and to reveal things about ourselves. David learned this each time he faced an enemy. Our expectations in a situation are usually different than what the Lord has planned; how many times have we heard, Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes He calms us in the midst of the storm? God is our Refuge and Strong Tower, and we can run to Him and be safe (see Prov. 18:10).

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom. 5:3-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1: 2-4

This scribe battles this often—some circumstances prove too challenging, and it takes all the strength I can muster to look beyond them to the Lord. Peter, after taking his step of faith to walk the lake’s surface, sank only when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wave. It only took him under because his focus was turned; the enemy distracted him.

The Lord gives us the assurance that He will help us through the trial, all we have to do is ask. He hides us in the shadow of His wings. He will keep us. James continues his admonition on tribulations with the key to making it through the hard times;

 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

Peter learned this in his leap onto the lake. God will give us wisdom for every situation if we ask. If however, we allow the circumstances to toss us to and fro, and keep us from seeking God, we can’t receive that wisdom, and we go around the mountain again; the trial overwhelms us, and we receive nothing.

 Arise, O Lord, confront him, bring him low; Deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword, from men with Your hand, O Lord, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, And whose belly You fill with Your treasure; They are satisfied with children, And leave their abundance to their babes. vv. 13-14

God will fight our enemies; He assures us time and again in Scripture. He will keep us; the wicked are concerned only with the things this world has to offer, and are subject to the world’s systems and processes. But we are to have a Kingdom perspective. Everything you are going through is to enhance the Kingdom of God, and to know God deeper. He wants to know us and have an intimate relationship with His people. And after the tribulation is over, and we have wrestled with God, we may leave with a limp (see Genesis 32:22-32), but we will have a new name and a deeper relationship with God. When you awake you will say to the Lord—

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. v.15

The Holy Place Part I: The Table of Shewbread

This Bread 

As I walk through the curtains I see a Table set
I see the golden glowing crown of it and yet
I am afraid to approach, for this Bread is not for me
So why do I feel so drawn to it this I cannot see

I see on the table the cups and bowls of gold
The drink and the Bread these vessels hold
Yes I see the Bread it is so divine
The precious body of my Saviour—it is mine

This Bread of Life will fill me up I will not hunger again
Every day I will come and eat He did not suffer in vain
Because of this Bread I will grow to know Him more and more
For by this Bread He stands and knocks He is at the door

This Bread that He has given us it is to give us strength
It will make you strong and able to go for a great length
The more you eat the more about Himself He reveals

This Bread washes me and renews me every day
It shows me what my Savior will do and say
This Bread He gives it is like a sword
For the Bread reminds us of the Body of our Lord 

By Piper Green 
© 2003-2015. All Rights Reserved.

The two make their way to the Table of Shewbread. However, Sarah is distracted by his face; he looks different to her. He appears young, but wisdom pours from him like oil poured from a vessel. His face is strong yet caring and gentle. He radiates peace that has the power to comfort even the most discouraged of souls. Love pours from him like a cool spring of water. She sees him in a new light; the Lampstand illuminates him to her in a new way.

The joyful ones are partaking of the Bread and as each one finishes eating, they disappear only to reappear with fresh Bread, which they place on the table. Once finished, they are able to continue. He motions her to the table to eat; miraculously, there is room for as many as will come. As she approaches, the fragrant aroma of the Bread coupled with the frankincense permeate her senses. Sarah reaches the table—everyone else has gone; she notices the table void of chairs. He perceives her thoughts and speaks in a voice she had not heard before, “The priests are never to sit down because their work is not done.” The continued lingering of the undecided became a burdensome distraction; her heart broke for each of them. She hopes they will change and make the decision to partake of the Bread, she can sense their discouragement and her heart is heavy for them.

The table is stunning; it is crafted from acacia wood overlaid with gold. The pure gold crown of the table shines in the light of the Lampstand, which creates a majestic display with the Bread of Presence. The rings and poles, plates, cups and all the vessels, crafted in gold, fashion a room so magnificent it would take the breath of even the bravest warrior. On the table is placed twelve loaves of Bread. Each loaf represents one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel; upon each loaf the priest carefully sprinkles frankincense, and the rest is poured on the Altar of Incense. The aroma is captivating. Sarah looks at the door and rejoices, so many are coming; they are crying and hungry and need Bread. Some try to push their way past the table through the veil; he does not allow them.

He says to Sarah, “Eat I know you are hungry. This will give you the strength you need to make it the rest of the way through. This Bread is in the very presence of God. When you eat this Bread, remember that God wants to dwell with you; and fellowship with you in His presence.” The Bread melts in her mouth like warm butter; as she eats, scales fall from her eyes. The Bread is healing; she can feel a warmth flow through her body like a stream. She does not know what the warmth is, but she feels different. Though she has not been ill she feels healed. Words cannot describe how she feels.

The Bread is opening her eyes to God; Sarah’s father teaches her family God’s Law—it is not to depart their lips. Somehow, after eating the Bread, she possesses a new understanding of the Law. She has a renewed love for God; she wants to obey His Law, not because it is required, but out of her love for Him; she truly wants to. “Lord I purpose in my heart to follow your Law and keep it for the rest of my days.” Tears well up in her eyes; tears of joy and happiness. She looks up at him; she knows him. She knows his name; she knows...this is Judah. As she heads for him, her attention is drawn to a young woman kneeling on the ground crying just inside the curtain to the Holy Place. Apprehensive and unsure of herself, Sarah, moves with compassion, walks over to her; the young woman reminds Sarah of herself when she began the journey. She kneels down and asks her why she is crying. “I don’t know which way to go! I don’t know what to do. I want to know God but I don’t know where to begin. I have come this far but I fear I have lost my way.” Sarah can see the despair deeply engraved in her face, “I will show you.”

Judah calls to Sarah. His voice captures her as if she is under a spell. She walks to Him and He says, “The space where you ate is now empty, you must replace the Bread.” She inquires, “What about these empty spaces?” “No.” He answers. “You only need to replace the Bread you eat. It is for the others to replace the Bread they eat.” She turns and locks her gaze on the young woman. “For her?” He smiles. Sarah leads her to the table, places the Bread in front of her, “This Bread will reveal the Messiah to you. It will give you the strength you need to make the rest of the journey.” Sarah continues to teach her everything she has learned thus far. “We must go Sarah.” She knowingly looks at Judah and renders one last encouragement, “I must go, but you will be fine, just eat the Bread.” Sarah joins Judah to continue their journey. “You have done well Sarah; I am pleased that you helped her instead of being only concerned for yourself.” “Keep it for myself? I could not, she reminds me so much of myself when I began my journey, I would have despaired had I been left alone. So few are willing to come as far as she did; she did not want to give up, and I had to help her.” Judah is delighted by her compassion. “You have already learned so much, let us continue on. You will need the strength of that Bread for the rest of the journey.”

 By Piper Green 

© 2003-2015. All Rights Reserved.

A Purim Poem

I raised up My daughter fair, deep dark eyes, long flowing hair

To attract a king who signed a decree to destroy My people

He was deceived by one who would plan and plot and prepare

He would have them destroyed and erased from the earth

She was an orphan living in exile, none would give her a glance

I raised her up to be one who fasts and prays for what touches My heart

I ordained her days to win his heart, she was not in the palace by chance

She was purposed to fulfill her role as queen and to take her part

I have raised you up to be a people who fast and pray and to be one

Who will seek what is on My heart and to intervene for the perishing

For the Evil One has a mandate to deceive the lost and the alone

He is relentless in his pursuit to destroy by planning and conniving

But I will thwart his plans when My people rise up to pray

He has marked My people Israel and My grafted branch

Perhaps you are ordained for such a time as this

I will rise and fight, he does not stand a chance

When My people intercede and cry out for justice

Do not take this battle lightly or believe that it will pass

If you are quiet, for deliverance will rise but you will expire

I have called you to this time and for your sword to grasp

And wield it on the enemy for My Word makes him a liar

He will cower in despair

Rise up My people we are in such volatile times

I hear the cry of many but see the sword of few

You must remain vigilant and lay passivity aside

I will answer when you call to defeat the minions

They are no match for the thousands of angelic legions

Rise up for such a time as this, pray, fast, intercede

For the lost, hurting, and perishing and those marked

For annihilation from the face of the earth

The enemy is on the move he knows his time is short

He has already been defeated he and all his cohorts

My people shall arise their swords wielding in their hand

By the Blood of Jesus and their testimony they will take a stand

Watch Me move on your behalf when you prepare for battle

You will see the enemy defeated and take back your land

…Answer the call…for such a time as this…

Piper Green

© 2015